A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH

Subject: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 10:09 AM

Last night, at the invitation of Bat Goddess and Jeri, I went to Portsmouth to the regular Friday night song session at the Press Room. I had a great time. Bat Goddess and Jeri were there with Bat Goddess' husband Tom, and a mix of other musicians. I guess there were 7 or 8 of us and Bat Goddess explained that they regularly have twice that number!

The venue was smoky, noisy bar. We were gathered around a table and the music and beer and food came to us as we sang and played. I heard some songs that were new to me, plenty of familiar songs, and lots of great instrumental pieces. Present were three guitars, three fiddles, an accordian, a concertina, two bodhrans, bones, and banjo.

This was not a place for the soft or quiet song. The majority of the people in the bar were there to drink and talk. But that didn't take away from the fun or enjoyment. And there were a few who were there to listen to the music. One came forward to make a point to compliment Jeri on her voice.

I'm going back. It's a bit of a trek for me but well worth the effort. Highly recommended.

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 11:02 AM

Not to discourage anybody (especially Naemanson!), but last night was a very quiet night, both regarding musicians and listeners. A lot of regulars in both categories were missing (gigs and probably Christmas shopping or something). Especially earlier in the evening we were able to perform (and hear ourselves!) songs that we normally wouldn't do in that venue because of the ambient noise and sometimes zooishness of too many (well, there's not a lot of space at the Press Room) musicians.

By later in the evening ALL of the listeners were non-regulars. I think we may have convinced a few of them of the enjoyability of traditional non-amplified music. We may have even convinced them that accoustic music and non-miked vocals were possible!

It was a very good session and we had a lot of fun! It was really nice having "new blood" and new songs.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 11:32 AM

...it's normally elbows and, er... fiddle bows. Naemanson, I agree with Bat Goddess - last night was relatively quiet. I would never have done the first song I did on a "normal" night. (And I still managed to mess it up. Haven't sung the darned thing in months.) It's not everyone's cup of tea. I'm SO glad you made it, and hope to see you again. We need one of those compressed air tubes, like they have at drive-in banks, to shoot us from Portland to Portsmouth area.

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: whistledon
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM

Seven years ago I helped to start a session in Dover NH at an Irish Pub called the Emerald Rose. It was there I had the pleasure to meet the fine folks fron the Press Room as they would visit now and again. I was invited to attend their session in Portsmouth and when I showed up I was even asked to join them at the table. This made the whole evening such fun. Great job Press Room gang! You are a credit to the world of trad. music. If ever you are in The Tampa Fl. area, mail a thread to me so I can connect you to our session and repay the kindness you shared to me seven years ago.

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 01:26 PM

I can't imagine the noise levels being anywhere near that of a session/pub bash that I used to go to every Sunday night (they use a PA now - doesn't seem right to me). This only sounds like a little bit of "atmosphere" and I think I would enjoy the Press Room - maybe one day, maybe even next year...

Jon

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 03:32 PM

I didn't find the noise to be too bad but, as they say above, the noise was not so bad last night.

I do know I won't bother trying to play my guitar. I don't play loud enough to be heard with a sound system so in this environment my guitar would be useless.

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 05:12 PM

Color me green...

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: GUEST,David Diamond
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 10:37 PM

I had the good fortune to be close enough to visit the Press Room a few times during a 2 year stint just south of Boston. It was well worth the hour and three quarters drive through the Boston rush hour - for the singing, the instrumentals, and most of all the good feeling. Some places have good vibes! I challenge any folkie not to feel right at home within a minute of walking in the door (and it takes a minute on a crowded night to get through the press of people to that well remembered table at the back of the room).

It is noisy, crowded, and truly beautiful - may it go on forever, and I wish I had a chance to drop in again on evening!

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 10:52 PM

Thanks, David, for your wonderful words!!! We miss you and your voice!

Bat Goddess (Linn)

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 08:29 AM

Hi David, nice to see your name back here it's some while since you've dropped in. I guess being in England gave you a bit of extra time on your hands, good for you. Hope you're more drowning in music there rather than being up to your ears in work. Hope you'll be back in time for Mystic? LOL, Barry

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: NH Dave
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 07:06 PM

Unfortunately the Emerald Rose is long gone, but in the old boiler room to that factory building, one door before their entrance we now have Biddy Mulligan's, an Irish venue, with a jam night on Thursday, starting around 7:30.

The music is amplified, the players come from Dover and other parts, and the tunes are more popular than classical Irish, but you can still have a good time.

Dave

Subject: RE: A Lovely Time In Portsmouth, NH
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 07:25 PM

Yikes, Dave - don't tell me the former Emerald Rose is where I work!!